During the ceremony, the Prime Minister and leaders from ministries, sectors, and localities observed a moment of silence, expressing gratitude for the sacrifices of fallen heroes who fought and died for the nation's independence and freedom, and for the people's happiness and well-being.

Vi Xuyen National Martyrs' Cemetery, where construction began in 1990, was subsequently upgraded and expanded to cover over 10 hectares. It serves as the resting place for 1,972 martyrs and two mass graves, many of which remain unidentified. Most of these individuals were cadres and soldiers who fought and sacrificed during the northern border defense war.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung offers incense and lays flowers in remembrance of fallen heroes at Vi Xuyen National Martyrs' Cemetery, on the afternoon of 15/7. *Photo: Nhat Bac/VGP*

According to the Tuyen Quang Provincial Military Command, approximately 4,370 martyrs perished within the province during the northern border defense war. Currently, over 1,200 martyrs still remain on the battlefield. The locality is conducting a 500-day and night campaign to search for, gather, and identify the remains of martyrs.

Earlier that morning, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and his delegation offered incense and laid flowers in remembrance of fallen heroes at Lang Son Martyrs' Cemetery. Following this, he visited war invalid Vy Van Nuoc, born in 1948, who resides in Dong Kinh ward.

The Prime Minister affirmed that the Party, State, and people are always grateful for the great contributions and sacrifices of fallen heroes, war invalids, sick soldiers, and those who rendered meritorious service to the nation. He emphasized that agencies must effectively carry out the work of gratitude and strive to be worthy of the sacrifices and contributions of previous generations.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung visits and presents gifts to war invalid Vy Van Nuoc, on the afternoon of 15/7. *Photo: Nhat Bac/VGP*

The Prime Minister expressed his wish that war invalid Vy Van Nuoc and his family remain healthy, serve as a shining example for the younger generation, and be exemplary in implementing and encouraging local people to uphold the Party's and State's guidelines, policies, and laws.

The Prime Minister urged ministries and localities to further promote the tradition of "showing gratitude" and the moral principle of "when drinking water, remember the source", continuing to care for the material and spiritual lives, and improving policies for those who rendered meritorious service.

Vu Tuan